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What can I do with a physics degree?

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Want more information like this? Visit the Careers Toolbox for a more detailed exploration of what you can do with a physics bachelor’s degree.

A physics degree is a passport into a broad range of science, engineering, and technology careers. These options vary by degree level. Statistical data collected by the American Institute of Physics offers a detailed look at the physicist employment at all degree levels.

Many people think that the most common career for a physics major is a physics professor, but the statistics show a different story. In reality, about one out of six physics bachelor’s degree recipients in the United States earn a physics or astronomy PhD, and only about 30% of those that do work in academia. The others have fulfilling careers in the private sector, in government agencies or national laboratories, and in other sectors.

Illustrated below are some common paths taken by physics degree recipients.